Where does sit mean sit?
Just because your puppy knows what’ sit’ means in the kitchen, doesn’t mean he knows it anywhere else.
Really.
I call it ‘generalizing’ other people call it proofing. Same difference.
Is this a sit? Close? Maybe?
What that means is dogs don’t speak English and its sometimes challenging for them to know that the same word means the same thing, when spoken in different tones, in different places with different postures.
No, silly dog, THIS is a sit!
Think of it this way – you are in a foreign country where everyone speaks a language you don’t. Someone says the word for ‘food’ and uses a hand signal of moving hand to mouth. Okay – you get that! Food!
BUT now – they use the SAME word, but standing by a pool and making the motion for diving in the water.
Think you are going to be a little confused? Welcome to your dog’s world.
I am working with this right now. My brand new baby is doing ‘sit’ wonderfully in the living room on the rug,with me kneeling in front of him.
He totally does not understand that word in the kitchen on the tile, with me standing, or outside on the grass or road. “Momma, you are nuttso!” he says as he prances around me NOT sitting. “This is not my rug and I have no clue what you are wanting me to do!”
Is leap upon your lap the same as sit??
Okay then. My goal for the this week is that he knows sit means sit means sit. No matter where he is.
Generalizing. Much more challenging for some dogs than others. But needed for all.
The Basics, Training Tips | Kate October 6, 2010
